How to Become a Corporate Finance Analyst in the UK
Corporate finance analysts build financial models, value businesses and prepare the documents behind mergers, acquisitions, fundraises and refinancing. You might work in an accountancy firm's deal advisory team, an investment bank, a boutique M&A adviser or a company's in-house corporate development team.
Most entrants have a degree and join a graduate scheme, often studying for a chartered accountancy qualification alongside. Others move across after qualifying in audit or transaction services. Expect a lot of Excel modelling, valuation work and long hours around deal deadlines.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £45,000 - £65,000
- Mid-career salary
- £75,000 - £110,000
- Senior salary
- £130,000 - £250,000+
- Work environment
- Office or hybrid
- Time to entry
- 3 - 5 years
- Degree required
- Usually required
- Category
- Business, Finance and Legal
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers.
What a Corporate Finance Analyst does
Model deals, mergers, fundraises and strategic investments for big companies.
- M&A Advisory - Sell-side and buy-side M&A advisory.
- Debt Advisory - Advise on leverage, refinancing and bonds.
- Restructuring - Distressed M&A and restructuring advice.
- Mid-market CF - Mid-market deals at regional CF boutiques.
How to become a corporate finance analyst in the UK
The two main routes are a graduate scheme in corporate finance or deal advisory at an accountancy firm, usually with ACA, ACCA or ICAS study funded by the employer, or an analyst programme in investment banking, which often asks for a 2:1 and is usually filled from summer interns. Qualified accountants often move into corporate finance after time in audit or transaction services. The CFA qualification and the ICAEW Corporate Finance qualification are respected additions later on. School leavers can start through accountancy apprenticeships and move across once qualified.
- Learn three-statement financial modelling, plus DCF, comparable company and precedent transaction valuation, and practise building models from real company accounts.
- Apply for spring weeks and summer internships in corporate finance, M&A or deal advisory during the penultimate year of your degree.
- Join a graduate scheme in corporate finance or transaction services, or an investment banking analyst programme, and start your professional exams.
- Qualify as a chartered accountant through ACA, ACCA or ICAS, which many advisory firms expect before promotion to manager.
- Keep a record of the deals you have worked on, including pitch books, information memorandums and due diligence, to support later moves.
- Specialise in M&A, debt advisory, restructuring or mid-market corporate finance once you know which type of deal suits you.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate scheme at an accountancy firm | 3 years to qualify | Employer-funded exams | Graduates wanting ACA plus deal work |
| Investment banking analyst programme | 2-3 years as analyst | Paid, very competitive | Strong graduates targeting large M&A |
| Move from audit or transaction services | After qualifying | Employer-funded | Newly qualified accountants |
| Accountancy apprenticeship, then move across | 4+ years | Paid by employer | School leavers |
How long it takes
You can join a graduate scheme or analyst programme straight from university. Expect 3 to 5 years, often including professional exams, before you are an experienced analyst or associate running parts of deals.
Corporate Finance Analyst salary in the UK
Corporate finance analysts usually start on £45,000 to £65,000, with investment banks and London firms at the top and regional accountancy practices nearer the bottom. After promotion to associate or manager, pay typically reaches £75,000 to £110,000. Directors and partners can earn £130,000 to £250,000 or more. Bonuses tied to completed deals and firm performance can add a lot, especially in banking. Being a qualified chartered accountant usually strengthens your pay and promotion prospects in advisory firms.
Key skills
- Financial modelling
- Valuation
- PowerPoint
- Accounting
- Stamina
Corporate Finance Analyst FAQs
How do I become a corporate finance analyst in the UK?
Get a strong degree, take internships in corporate finance or M&A, then join a graduate scheme at an accountancy firm or an investment banking analyst programme. Many people qualify as chartered accountants on the way.
Do I need a finance degree to work in corporate finance?
No. Many firms accept any degree subject if you are numerate and can show interest in deals, though a 2:1 is often expected. You will learn accounting and valuation through professional exams and on the job.
How much does a corporate finance analyst earn?
Analysts usually start on £45,000 to £65,000. Associates and managers typically earn £75,000 to £110,000, and directors or partners £130,000 to £250,000 or more, with bonuses on top.
What hours do corporate finance analysts work?
Hours are long when a deal is live, with late nights and some weekends close to signing or completion. Investment banks usually expect longer hours than accountancy firms. Quieter periods between deals can be closer to normal office hours.
Is Corporate Finance Analyst right for you?
Career Compass ranks careers from your interests and priorities and explains every suggestion, with UK routes and trade-offs. See how well Corporate Finance Analyst actually fits you. £19.99 once, full report included.
Still deciding whether corporate finance analyst is the career for you? Here is which career test is actually worth taking, and what a free quiz will not tell you.